Millerton Chamber: Going to the dogs to raise money for students

MILLERTON — The Harlem Valley Chamber of Commerce, working with Ledgewood Kennel, will host a two-day Festival of Dogs July 11 and 12 at Ledgewood Kennel.

The festival will include a dog show, canine sporting events, pet portraits and food prepared by the Round Tuit restaurant and the Millerton Fire Department and other local non-profits.

Admission is free. Small fees ($5 to $10) are charged to enter a dog  into some or all of the eight fun dog show classes (such as dogs that look most like their masters and an Outstanding Feature category, where a pet’s long tail or extra-perky ears could net a blue ribbon). There will be grooming demonstrations, dock diving events (with a special presentation by the Hudson Valley DockDogs), agility competitions and flyball and Frisbee catching (expert dogs will do demonstrations; amateur dogs are invited to give it a try).

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Harlem Valley Chamber Scholarship Fund.

“We’re excited about this festival,†said Ken Hale, president of the Harlem Valley Chamber. “This is an opportunity for us to work with local businesses to showcase our beautiful region, and it’s an opportunity for us to raise money for scholarships for the local high schools.â€

The festival will run on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. at 693 Smithfield Road in Millerton. See a full list of events and register online at harlemvalleychamber.org or at ledgewoodkennel.com.